This books is clearly nothing less than pseudo-scientific claptrap. It is however certainly worth the read. Of interest only in light of its place in history and its influence on the Nazis, Wagner, etc. Gobineau makes the same foolish errors common to those who THINK they are applying the scientific method and his errors simply multiply; he stops only when he is convinced he has proved a premise he already believed true. This is like a text book of phrenology or animal magnetism. What amazes and saddens me is (looking at the other reviews) how many modern readers are considering this as worthy of serious consideration. I'm assuming they have appointments to get the bumps on their heads read by a phrenologist soon too!!

I bought this book as an historical curiosity, but I quickly admit it wasn't a good deal. The author try to establish a scientific foundation for racism - and he thinks he was very successful in doing so. But I did not find neither a single serious or, at least, rational reason for paying heed to the preposterous deliria of such an ignorant, sometimes liar, disguised in scientist. Some examples? One reason for the superiority of white races: their "unrivaled" beauty. What a keystone! The qualities of some superior races of the past? The Romans were more skilled in practical disciplines and sciences than Greeks. But not a single Roman in early times was a scientist, although dozens of the bests mathematicians, physicians and scientists were GREEKS. I could continue, but this book isn't worth enough. Its only usefulness could be in exercising your critical sense, if you accept to bear its boring, unending strip of historical mistakes and forgeries.

I bought this book for historical purposes and curiosity only. Because of my background and education, I was highly skeptical of the racist premise. After reading the book, I have come to respect the highly prophetic observations of De Gobineau. Although he did not have the benefit of modern genetic and sociological research, and made several scientific mistakes, De Gobineau accurately foresaw the scientific future. De Gobineau's views were out of favor for many years, but modern research confirms his theories and scientific genius. Genetics and race are directly related to individual intelligence and the advancement of a society. De Gobineau is the "Einstein" of sociology and genetics. A great historical book.